I think PR10L is a good guess. The details you point out clearly indicate a bike just one step down from the PX-10. I think the seller's "PX?" and "PX-10 derivative" is a fair way of describing it. I also agree with his guess of mid to late 70's (more likely mid 70's) based on the DT decals which are newer than early 70's. Also, the recessed allen bolt stems appeared in the mid 70's. I agree that these were not the stems which had the bad reputation - it was the earlier "lugged" looking ones with exposed bolts that were said to break, although in my opinion, the actual failure rate even on those was far less than some of the horror stories would lead one to believe. I would be more suspicious of these bars, however. It may be a trick of camera angle, but it appears as if the left side of the bars droops down a bit compared to the right side. Such a downward droop immediately from the stem is the usual tipoff that AVA bars have cracked. If I bought this bike, the first thing I would do is unwrap the bars and inspect them, especially the left side, very carefully for cracks. Even if I didn't find any cracks, if the "droop" is real, and not just a photo distortion, i'd replace the bars. Sheldon sells some unengraved Belleri 16Ds that would be a very appropriate replacement. Don't have the "AVA" label peeking through the stem cutout, but a lot safer than riding a "droopy" AVA bar. On the other hand, I don't have a problem riding AVA bars, as long as there is no droop and I have carefully inspected them for cracks. But then, I rode 25km yesterday on my circa 1974 Lambert, complete with untapered BB axle and original death fork, so maybe I should modify my will as well.
Regards,
Jerry Moos
-----Original Message----- From: youngc@netreach.net [mailto:youngc@netreach.net] Sent: Monday, June 04, 2001 6:26 AM To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org Subject: Re: [CR]Has anyone seen this AVA display?
Ken et al.:
The model looks to be a PR10L given the 3 tubes 531, sticker placement and lack of half-chromed rear stays. Definitely not a PX10. I have one like it with the same AVA stem/bar combination. I don't believe that this stem model is the death stem and, once completed, will be riding mine. Maybe I should leave information in my will to contact the CR group if it kills me.
I think Matt (Gorski?) is the seller. He may have some more details on the bike. Think that is a 93 or 49 crankset?
Charlie Young
Honeybrook, PA
> We have talked about the death stem/handle bar for a long time, but please
> see these;
>
> >>http://ebay.com/<blah>
>
> Someone really like to show off "AVA" name, is the stem aftermarket piece?
>
> I thinks I can break it although I am 5-7" 160 lb, but the bike is for
> someomne like 6-4, 225lb size.
>
> What kind of stem is it?? It does not look like a AVA from side view.
>
> KEN TODA, High Point, NC, cool and wet